University of North Carolina Athletics
John Gutekunst Hired As UNC's Defensive Coordinator
January 12, 2004 | Football
Jan. 12, 2004
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. ----- John Gutekunst (pronounced GOO-di-kunst), who has earned a reputation as one of the top defensive coaches in the college game for more than 35 years, has been named the defensive coordinator at the University of North Carolina.
Gutekunst brings a wealth of experience to Chapel Hill that includes a six-year stint as head coach at the University of Minnesota from 1986-91. He also served as defensive coordinator and secondary coach under Lou Holtz at Minnesota during the 1984-85 seasons and was defensive coordinator at Rutgers from 1994-95. Most recently, Gutekunst was South Carolina's secondary coach for five seasons under Holtz.
"John is one of the most well respected defensive minds in the game and we are fortunate to add him to our staff," said UNC head coach John Bunting. "His resume speaks for itself, but I was impressed by his knowledge of the game, especially on the defensive side of the ball. He has previous experience as a defensive coordinator and head coach and I know our players will be excited to play for him and will learn a great deal from him."
"I'm excited about the opportunity coach Bunting has given me," said Gutekunst. "I have great respect for John and the way he runs the football program. I'm eager to get to Carolina and work with the student-athletes and the coaching staff. Right now is an exciting time in the ACC with expansion and that makes the challenge even greater. However, I know Carolina can handle those challenges."
During Gutekunst's five years with the Gamecocks, South Carolina's secondary was consistently among the league's best. In 2001, South Carolina's defense was second in the Southeastern Conference and two of his players earned all-conference honors, including first-team selection Sheldon Brown and second-team pick Andre Goodman. Both players were selected in the 2002 NFL Draft.
The Gamecock defense ranked near the top of the SEC throughout the entire 2000 season and allowed a league-low five touchdown passes. South Carolina picked off 20 passes, which ranked among the top three in the SEC, and Brown was named to the America Football Coaches Association All-America team. That season, Gutekunst was named the Assistant Coach of the Year by the AFCA.
Gutekunst led Minnesota to winning seasons in four of his six seasons as its head coach. In 1986, he guided the Gophers to the 1986 Liberty Bowl, a season highlighted by a 20-17 upset win at No. 2 ranked and previously undefeated Michigan. As the defensive coordinator at Minnesota, he helped lead the Gophers to a 20-13 win over Clemson in the 1985 Independence Bowl.
Gutekunst also has coached on defense at Rhode Island, Virginia Tech and Duke. In 1992, he was the secondary coach at Wake Forest under former UNC head coach Bill Dooley.
Prior to joining the Gamecocks' staff, Gutekunst was the secondary and kicking coach at Rhode Island from 1996-98. In 1998, two of his defensive backs ranked among the top three in the conference in interceptions, including Ron Ianotti who had a league-high seven interceptions.
A defensive back at Duke from 1963-66, Gutekunst began his coaching career with the Blue Devils, where he was an assistant from 1967-78. He later coached at Virginia Tech from 1979-83 before joining Holtz at Minnesota. He also coached in the Arena Football League in 1992.
Gutenkust earned his bachelor's degree from Duke in 1966 and was a two-sport standout in football and baseball, serving as team captain in both sports.
A native of Sellersville, Pa., Gutekunst and his wife, Leah, have three children: Brian, Michael and Jon.
THE GUTEKUNST FILE
orn: April 13, 1944
Education: Duke University, 1966
Playing Experience: Defensive back at Duke, 1963-66
Previous Coaching Experience: South Carolina (1999-2003); Rhode Island (1996-98); Rutgers (1994-95); South Carolina (1993); Wake Forest (1992); Tampa Bay Storm (AFL) (1992); Head Coach, Minnesota (1986-91); Minnesota (1984-85); Virginia Tech (1979-83), Duke (1967-78)
owl Experience: 2002 Outback Bowl, 2001 Outback Bowl, 1986 Liberty Bowl, 1985 Independence Bowl, 1980 Peach Bowl
Family: Wife - Leah; Has three children, Brian, Michael and Jon
